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Due to the ongoing conflict between the two regions, the League Competition had inevitably been postponed. Although it was uncertain for how long, it was unlikely to resume until the war concluded.
With only a few days left before July, the conflict had already persisted for nearly a month, causing substantial damage and losses.
Fortunately, there were no reported casualties yet; the damages primarily involved economic loss and environmental destruction. The environment suffered greatly due to the warfare, but on the bright side, the fighting had not reached urban areas, remaining confined to the wilderness.
The Ellie Region displayed strong aggression, but the Sebas region was no pushover either. Once the war began, neither side could afford to back down. Moreover, with effective defensive strategies in place, the Ellie Region struggled to gain any significant advantage.
This stalemate seemed likely to continue, as the Ellie Region faced challenges penetrating further due to internal opposition against the war. Consequently, several Trainers from the Ellie Region refused to engage, often those who maintained good relations with the Sebas region.
With frequent interactions between the two regions, many Trainers had developed friendships across borders. If not for the failed negotiations, this war likely wouldn't have escalated to its current state.
In the Sebas region, at a certain location:
"Our next objective is to make every person in the Ellie Region despise the Sebas region."
"Captain, how do we accomplish that?" someone asked.
"We'll infiltrate the Ellie Region and carry out covert attacks under the guise of being from Sebas," the captain replied coldly. With only these two regions involved, there would be no doubt about who was responsible. Even if discovered, the Ellie Region inhabitants would assume it was solely the work of Sebas agents.
"Understood."
Infiltrating the Ellie Region wouldn't be easy. The ongoing war had led both sides to fortify their borders heavily, making even a mosquito's entry difficult.
However, opportunities always arise amidst challenges.
South Sea, Archipelago Area.
"Do you really think they will pass through here?"
Within less than half a month, the five-person team had meticulously planned numerous strategies while waiting for their chance. They didn't sit idly; instead, they put themselves in the shoes of the Allen Continent group, trying to predict their potential moves.
Their final conclusion was that the infiltrators would inevitably enter Ellie Region's territory, disguising themselves as Trainers from Sebas, and attack ordinary civilians to incite widespread fury within the Ellie Region, ultimately provoking all-out war.
This strategy was incredibly ruthless but also the most likely course of action for their adversaries. If successful, it would truly ignite the flames of hatred between the two regions.
Thus, Taro, Kalia, and their team ventured to the archipelago offshore. This area served as a defensive point for the Sebas region and was a crucial gateway into the Ellie Region.
Numerous sentries were stationed here, covering a vast perimeter. They constantly monitored both the sky and sea, preventing any Trainers from the Ellie Region from secretly crossing over. Consequently, anyone attempting to pass through this zone would undoubtedly be detected.
Being on the frontline made it highly dangerous, with frequent encounters and battles involving Trainers from the Ellie Region.
Naturally, if a large group of Trainers from the Ellie Region approached, immediate withdrawal would be necessary.
Recently, a significant battle had taken place between the two regions, leaving many Pokemon severely injured and the Trainers in poor condition. As a result, it was unlikely that Trainers from the Ellie Region would appear again anytime soon.
Taro's group settled on one of the South Sea islands, patiently waiting like snares for prey while keeping an eye on news to anticipate any unexpected moves by their adversaries.
Several days later.
"They're coming."
A report arrived, indicating that a group traveling on Flying-type Pokémon had entered the archipelago's airspace and were immediately spotted. Although they concealed their identities, during these critical times, it was nearly impossible not to attract attention.
Taro and his team received the same information; surprisingly, this group chose to request permission rather than force their way through.
Taro and his companions discreetly approached the island where the archipelago's overseer resided. Obtaining authorization from the overseer was mandatory for anyone attempting to pass through, with no exceptions.
During peacetime, paying a fee would suffice, but now, explicit approval from the Pokemon League was required.
The group consisted of six individuals who initially wore disguising masks but had since removed them, revealing all as men.
Hidden in secrecy, Taro and his team noticed the absence of the glasses-wearing young man. Taro frowned slightly, "We still can't be certain. They seem cautious, avoiding Ellie's presence."
Although they couldn't definitively confirm if these individuals were from the Allen Continent, anyone attempting to cross the South Sea at this time was highly suspicious and likely linked to the Allen Continent.
Ellie was the only person they had encountered and positively identified. If he were among them, it would almost certainly confirm their suspicions. Otherwise, Kalia's accent recognition skills would be crucial.
"Kalia, it's up to you now. Listen carefully to their accents and determine if they're from the Allen Continent," Taro said, turning towards Kalia.
"Alright." Kalia nodded, focusing intently on listening to the group's speech patterns.
However, out of the six individuals, five remained virtually silent. Only the leader spoke, and his voice showed no trace of a foreign accent.
Feeling puzzled, Kalia listened more attentively but still found nothing unusual; the speaking man's accent revealed no differences.
"Can we get the others to speak? I suspect that the one talking has already altered his accent," Kalia suggested after hearing them, but achieving this seemed quite challenging.
"It seems they came well-prepared, even altering their accents." Taro frowned slightly. Assuming these were Trainers from the Allen Continent, it was evident that only the leader had changed his accent while the other five remained silent.
Without concrete evidence, the likelihood of this group being from the Allen Continent was high. However, without definitive confirmation, there was no choice but to let them pass.
The priority was not to alert the suspects prematurely. Forcing them to speak would likely raise suspicions.
These individuals indeed held valid Pokemon League credentials, allowing them unrestricted travel through the South Sea region. Consequently, they had to be permitted to continue on their way.
"We'll follow them," Taro decided. The best course of action now was to trail these six individuals closely. Once any weaknesses or inconsistencies surfaced, they could take immediate action.
If his guess was correct, along with the glasses-wearing young man named Allen, this group likely comprised all members from the Allen Continent. Although, he couldn't entirely rule out the possibility of additional hidden operatives, their numbers would undoubtedly be minimal.
By capturing this entire group, most of the Allen Continent's presence should be neutralized. With sufficient evidence gathered, it would ultimately lead to a ceasefire in the Ellie Region.